Forest management, timber harvesting support, and reforestation services for federal and state land agencies. Find active federal and state support activities for forestry contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 115310 is estimated at $200–300 million, primarily through the USDA Forest Service and DOI Bureau of Land Management. Competition is moderate, with many small businesses and a few large timber companies. Contracts are predominantly IDIQ and BPA structures, with task orders for specific projects (e.g., timber stand improvement, reforestation, prescribed burns). Demand is driven by wildfire mitigation, forest health, and regulatory compliance (e.g., NEPA). Work is seasonal and geographically dispersed, with many awards under $250,000.
These agencies are the largest buyers of support activities for forestry services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 115310 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win, target agency-specific IDIQs like the Forest Service's Region 5 Timber Sale Preparation BPA. Most awards are set aside for small businesses (often 8(a) or HUBZone), so leverage those certifications. The highest-leverage move is to develop a past performance record on Forest Service or BLM contracts—start with small, local task orders and deliver ahead of schedule. Also, register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and complete the Representations and Certifications.
Most work is awarded via agency-specific IDIQs or BPAs, not GSA Schedules. The Forest Service uses its own Timber Sale Preparation BPA and Stewardship Contracting. BLM uses regional IDIQs. Evaluation is typically LPTA for simple services (e.g., tree planting) and best-value for complex projects (e.g., timber cruising).
Yes, many states require a registered forester license or certification (e.g., Society of American Foresters) for timber marking or management plans. Federal contracts may also require pesticide applicator licenses for herbicide work.
For contracts over $150,000, the Miller Act requires performance and payment bonds. However, many task orders under IDIQs are below that threshold and may not require bonds. Check each solicitation.
8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB certifications are common. The Forest Service has a strong preference for small businesses, and many solicitations are 100% set aside for these groups.
Moderately competitive. For small task orders under $150,000, you may face 3–5 bidders. For larger IDIQs, competition can be 10–20 firms, but incumbents often win recompetes.
Most task orders range from $25,000 to $500,000. IDIQ ceilings can be $5–10 million over 5 years, but individual orders are usually small. Very few contracts exceed $1 million.